France develops new 68mm anti-drone rocket for Rafale fighter jets and Tiger attack helicopters
AI Analysis
France is developing a 68mm laser-guided rocket for its Rafale fighters and Tiger helicopters to counter drones, filling a capability gap between gun systems and missiles. The rocket aims for a one-shot, one-kill engagement at ranges of 2-5km, offering a cost-effective solution against saturation drone attacks. This development signals a shift towards scalable and affordable counter-UAS warfare.
Key Takeaways
- New 68mm rocket is laser-guided for precision targeting of drones.
- Designed to intercept drones at 2-5km range, a gap between existing systems.
- Integration with Rafale jets and Tiger helicopters expands engagement capacity.
- Aims to reduce reliance on expensive missiles for neutralizing low-cost drone threats.
- Development spurred by operational experience against Iranian UAVs.
Why It Matters
This development highlights the increasing importance of layered counter-UAS defenses. The 68mm rocket provides a more economical interceptor option, allowing for a higher volume of fire against drone swarms without depleting stockpiles of more expensive missiles. This approach is crucial for protecting valuable assets from increasingly sophisticated drone threats.
France develops new 68mm anti-drone rocket for Rafale fighter jets and Tiger attack helicopters
Published: 2026-04-25T12:45:22+00:00 Author: Jérôme Brahy
Summary
France is developing a new 68 mm laser-guided rocket designed to intercept drones in the critical gap between guns and missiles, a vulnerability exposed during real-world operations against Iranian UAVs. The rocket delivers precision interception with one round per target, increasing kill probability and aligning interceptor cost with the drones it defeats. It is integrated on Rafale jets and Tiger helicopters and aims to significantly expand engagement capacity against saturation attacks. This move reflects a shift towards scalable, affordable counter-drone warfare. The integrated rocket will enable earlier, cost-effective engagements at 2–5 km, reducing pressure on inner air defenses and reducing the need to expend high-value missiles on low-cost threats.
Story
France develops new 68mm anti-drone rocket for Rafale fighter jets and Tiger attack helicopters Skip to main content ### Breaking News April 25, 2026 France develops new 68mm anti-drone rocket for Rafale fighter jets and Tiger ... April 25, 2026 U.S. Marines Expand Coastal Strike Capability with 32 NMESIS Launchers and 10... April 25, 2026 US Army boosts M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle funding by 350% for future remo... April 25, 2026 U.S. Fast Tracks B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber $6.1B Funding to Counter China H-20 April 25, 2026 US Army deploys first Golden Dome ALPS surveillance system to track drones ov... April 25, 2026 US Navy orders first FF(X) frigates in FY2027 budget to replace Arleigh Burke... April 24, 2026 China officially nicknames its J-35 naval stealth fighter as Blue Shark ahead... April 24, 2026 U.S. Navy Expands Long-Range Maritime Strike Strategy with Nearly $1B LRASM P... April 24, 2026 China develops Superwing ZR-300 armed eVTOL aircraft with missile launcher fo... April 24, 2026 CENTCOM Confirms U.S. Deployment of 3 Aircraft Carriers to Middle East in Rar... # France develops new 68mm anti-drone rocket for Rafale fighter jets and Tiger attack helicopters. - 25 Apr, 2026 - 8:39 - Defense News Aerospace 2026 --- France is developing a new 68 mm laser-guided rocket designed to intercept drones in the critical gap between guns and missiles, closing a vulnerability exposed during real-world operations against Iranian UAVs. This new variant will enable earlier, cost-effective engagements at 2–5 km, reducing pressure on inner air defenses and limiting the need to expend high-value missiles on low-cost threats. Compared to unguided rockets, the guided rocket delivers precision interception with one round per target, dramatically increasing kill probability while aligning interceptor cost with the drones it defeats. Integrated on Rafale jets and Tiger helicopters, this 68 mm laser-guided anti-drone rocket will significantly expand engagement capacity against saturation attacks and reflects a broader shift